Project Second Chance: Restoring Hope for Every Child

By: Lent Maqani | Fluvanna County High School | Blue Ridge Virginia Governor’s School

Our Mission

“Restoring hope for every child.”

No child should feel forgotten during the holidays.

I’m Lent Maqani, a senior at Fluvanna County High School and member of the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School. Through my capstone project, Project Second Chance, I’m raising $5,000 to bring meals, gifts, and hope to children whose parents are incarcerated or facing hardship. Together, we can restore hope—one family, one second chance at a time

Project Second Chance is a student-led holiday initiative created to support children whose parents are incarcerated or facing severe hardship.

Founded by Lent Maqani, a current senior at Fluvanna County High School and active member of the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor's School (BRVGS) and Beta Club, the program seeks to provide holiday meals, gifts, clothes, and other necessities to families in need. In addition to not only acquiring physical needs, the organization aims to reassure every child that their efforts are valued, cherished, and capable of brighter tomorrows.

The program’s mission is simple yet powerful:

to ensure that every child feels valued, supported, and seen, especially during the holiday season.

Through this project, we will provide holiday meals, gifts, clothing, and essentials to families across Fluvanna County, Charlottesville, and surrounding areas who may otherwise go without. But beyond the material support, Project Second Chance seeks to restore something deeper: a sense of hope and belonging.

⚖️ How This Project Was Born

During my internship at the Fluvanna County Attorney’s Office, I witnessed firsthand how the justice system affects not only individuals but entire families, resulting in the development of the Project Second Chance Campaign—a campaign born from empathy and a desire to serve. Observing the emotional burden children undergo when forcibly separated from their parents or guardians altered my perspective while deepening my commitment to public service. As an aspiring attorney, I was motivated to take immediate action with the objective to support individuals who often feel forgotten and build community resilience through compassionate empathy.

Project Second Chance represents more than a holiday drive; it serves as a movement toward restoration, and second chances. Every contribution becomes an essential component of a chain of kindness that encourages the next generation and redefines what community support looks like.

Our Goal

We aim to raise $5,000 (stretch goal $7,000) to reach:

25–30 families in need

75–90 individuals total, including children and parents

Every dollar donated will go directly toward:

$1,500 – Holiday meals (Thanksgiving & Christmas kits for families)

$1,200 – Gifts and toys for children

$800 – Winter clothing and essentials

$300 – Hygiene kits and personal care supplies

$300 – Outreach materials and fundraising efforts

$400 – Event logistics and volunteer supplies

$500 – Flex fund for additional families or unexpected needs

Each contribution—whether $10 or $100—helps us bring joy, warmth, and dignity to a child or family that needs it most.

How You Can Help

✅ Donate: Every dollar directly impacts local families.

✅ Share: Post this campaign on social media, email it to friends, or share with local churches and community groups.

✅ Partner: If you represent a business or organization, consider sponsoring a family or donating in-kind items (toys, coats, gift cards, food).

Your support doesn’t just fill a box—it fills hearts, restores faith, and builds community.

Join the Movement

This project began as my Governor’s School Capstone Project, but my dream is for it to grow far beyond me—to become a tradition in Fluvanna County, carried on by future students and volunteers.

Together, we can show that second chances aren’t just for individuals—they’re for communities, too.

Let’s restore hope for every child.

Follow our journey on Instagram : @ProjectSecondChanceVA